
ECOLOGY FOR
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![]() Ecology for the General PublicThe Department of Ecology works with you to protect every part of the environment upon which we all depend – the water we drink, the air we breathe, the soil that grows our food, and the climate that sustains life as we know it. Follow the links below to discover how Ecology prevents and cleans up pollution, and supports sustainable communities and natural resources. You will also find useful information on actions you can take to help achieve the same goals. Concerned CitizensWashington is a beautiful state. Our citizens are proud to live here, and we want to maintain our high quality of life, but there are many pressures on our environment. These include population growth, urbanization that increases the amount of hard surfaces covering the land, loss of habitat, pressures on water supplies, and water and air pollution, among others. These cumulative pressures are a result of the often unconscious actions of millions of individuals. Fortunately, there also are many individual actions that can help keep Washington a wonderful place to live. ParentsChildren are often the most vulnerable to contaminants in the air, water, and soil; therefore, when it comes to toxic threats, the greatest concern is for children. Pound for pound, children breathe more air, drink more water, and eat more food than adults. By just being kids – putting their hands and toys in their mouths, playing on the ground – children are exposed to toxins in ways adults aren’t. And children are especially vulnerable because they are in early development stages of their lives where negative effects can sometimes have life-long results. Ecology offers tips, information, and programs designed to reduce and prevent pollutants from harming your family, as well as from harming the environment. HomeownersYour home is your place to relax and rejuvenate. Caring for your home gives you peace of mind and offers a return on your investment. And there are many actions you can take to help protect your home, your health, and the health of your neighborhood and the environment. VehiclesMotorized vehicles contribute to pollution in our air, land, and water. Ecology works with businesses, communities, and citizens to protect our environment from harmful pollutants. Ecology supports Washington’s laws that reduce the amount of air pollution that comes from new cars. We also work with many partners to reduce the emissions from diesel-powered vehicles. And, we help marinas and boat operators make sure they keep fuel and other pollutants from our waters. When accidents happen, we are ready with rapid response to contain and clean up spills. |
PROTECTING WASHINGTON'S QUALITY OF LIFEProtecting our environment also protects Washington businesses, jobs and families. COASTAL ATLASFind a public beach and check for closure information. CLEANUP SITES SEARCH TOOLLocate cleanup sites by city, county or zip code. CLEAN, GREEN BOATINGEMERGENCY INFO
PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT OPPORTUNITIESCalendar is searchable listing of current Ecology hearings, meetings and public comment periods CONSUMER PROTECTIONEcology information that helps consumers REDUCING TOXICS
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Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
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